Very interesting statistics seem to indicate that yes, we are all "reachable", maybe too "reachable". According to NationMaster.com, the US leads in the number of personal computers, approximately 161,000,000. Although not the leader in the number of cell phones, the US sits at about 48 cell phones per 100 people. So back to the question, "attainable, is that a good thing"?

Speaking in general terms, one would have to scream NO! Just look at the above numbers one more time. However, perhaps the question isn't whether this is a "good thing" or a "bad thing", perhaps the real issue, begs the real question; "are we using technology to define time management". Even if we completely disconnect ourselves from the information world, technological advances will continue. So being left behind while the world progresses may be the equivalent of swimming against the tide.

Always available can be an option we define. The basic understanding of what options are available for us to choose from, is where our personal power begins. As an example, having the option of being able to hook up to our office pc from anywhere at anytime is a matter of simply accessing an affordable service. Are we too connected then? Well, the painting of Working Mom/Dad, rushing around at home with the kids, after work, when the office calls in a panic to remind them they need to modify paragraph 3 of the proposal that must be sent out before 9:00pm that night, can create a maddening level of stress. However, Mom/Dad simply need to have their home pc set-up to access their desktop at work, and there you have it, problem solved. The document can be modified directly from the comfort of home.

The office reaching us over the phone will not end. That's a given. When the office calls it's normally to resolve a matter, so the obvious becomes how do we use modern technology to resolve our unexpected work related surprises. We can be reached no matter how disconnected we want to be, but if we define ourselves as "part time flexible" in a full-time world, being accessible becomes our own definition. When we have access to solutions, we can move on. With flexible hours becoming the choice of many employers, your virtual office becomes a tool, not a hindrance.

http://www.my-telework-tools.com/remote_pc_access.html

Sources:

Stats from NationMaster.com

Barbara Cipak, Site Owner